UNHCR - United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

Published purpose

October 2015 - Significant political instability and violence in Burundi, arising from opposition to President Pierre Nkurunziza’s re-election, has led to increased insecurity in the country and mounting refugee flows into neighbouring countries. Since April, nearly 200,000 people have fled as refugees from Burundi, with the majority fleeing to Tanzania, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Uganda. The ability of agencies to respond has been constrained by limited funding and considerable pre-existing humanitarian crises in the region. With the support of GAC and other donors, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is responding to the urgent needs of Burundian refugees in Tanzania, Rwanda, DRC and Uganda. Project activities include: (1) providing registration, identification documentation, and protection services for refugees; (2) addressing the basic needs of refugees through the provision of health care, water and sanitation, and education services; (3) providing livelihood supplies, equipment, and training to refugees to enhance livelihood opportunities and self-reliance; and (4) providing emergency shelter, basic household items, and rehabilitating infrastructure for refugee populations.